local voice & financial report august 2014

ALSO INSIDE

BC Hydro Safety Rodeo

Change Committee

Working Local, Helping Local

Dragon Boat: Making Waves

Justice For Missing Women

Quarterly publication for members of the Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union, Local 378

Local VoiceVolume 9 | Issue #3 Summer 2014

CoPe 378 in our Communities

keeping young Workers Safe

CoPe 378 members making Waves

hydro Safety rodeo

In This IssueCONTENTS

14

13

10

3 PRESIDENTS OPENING MESSAGE By David Black

4 TRANSLATIONS

6 PRESIDENT'S WORD

7 CHANGING COPE 378

8 A LIFELINE TO FAIR RATES

9 ICBC TAKES ANOTHER RUN AT PENSIONS IN BARGAINING By Annette Toth

10 WORKPLACE SAFETY MEETS FAMILY FUN AT HYDRO SAFETY RODEO

11 STAFF PROFILE: BARBARA LIANG

12 FAMILIAR FACE, NEW MISSION By John Horgan

13 KEEPING YOUNG WORKERS SAFE By Layne Clark

14 MAKING WAVES AT THE 2014 DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

15 BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATING

16 WORKING LOCAL, HELPING LOCAL By Jennifer Young

17 MAKING CHANGE IN YOUR COMMUNITIES By Karl Riley and John Hooker

18 CAPILANO UNIVERSITY: PART OF THE NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY

19 COPE 378 MEMBERS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

20 BARGAINING BRIEFS

22 JUSTICE FOR MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN

23 REP ASSIGNMENTS

24 ORGANIZED LAUGHTER

Presidents Opening Message

USW 2009

David Black

President, COPE 378

Communities, in all their various forms, are important to our members. Communities are part of the weave of our social fabric. They are the places where we connect with each other and feel we belong. About a year ago our union tasked a committee of COPE 378 members

with taking a critical look at the unions mandate, culture and functions in order to shape the future success of our local.

As part of their work, the change committee (as they were dubbed) de-veloped a statement of strategic intent to capture and define the unions pur-pose. The statement reads:

COPE 378 is a diverse, progressive, member-driven

organization that protects members rights and empowers

them to unite for better workplaces, communities and

society as a whole.

One of the reasons Im so pleased with this statement is that it enshrines our duty to work with our members to make a positive contribution to our communities.

As an organization, weve never believed that advocacy begins and ends at the door of your workplace. From our promotion of United Way campaigns to our sponsorship and participation in community events like the Pride Parade, Sun Run and Dragon Boat Festival, to our support for better, smarter, more compassionate public policy, were working to strengthen your communities by strengthening the ties between us all. At the end of the day, all these things contribute either directly or indirectly to better working lives for our members.

In this issue of the Local Voice, well tell you a bit more about these efforts. Were working with our members to increase funding to a fixture in the North Shore community, Capilano University. Were also partnering with consumer advocacy groups to recommend changes to BC Hydros rate design that will protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society. And were prep-ping for the civic elections in November to help elect progressive candidates at the level of government that often is most visible in our communities.

This issue also includes our annual financial report, part of our responsibil-ity and accountability to you, our community of members.

Please read on, and I invite you to welcome us into your community.

The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378, is affiliated with the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, the British Columbia Federation of Labour, the Canadian Labour Congress, UNI Global Union and IndustriALL.

Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378, Executive Board Members:President: David BlackSecretary-Treasurer: Lori MayhewVice Presidents: Annette Toth (ICBC), Gwenne Farrell (Utilities), Heather Lee (Combined Units)Accenture Business Services: Melanie Greenlaw, Nancy de VriesBC Hydro: Calvin Jonas, Rysa KronebuschICBC: Yasmin Carroll, Karin Cirez, Joyce Galuska, Trevor Hansen, Robert StarcevichFortisBC Energy: Tim BouzovetskyFortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Customer Service Centres: Stephanie SmithCombined Units: Safar Alikhani, Colleen Finn, Laurie Kirk, Petro Koromvokis, Keith Parkinson, Tim Weigelt

COPE 378 Communications & Campaigns:Communications Director: Sage AaronCommunications Officer: Jarrah Hodge

COPE 378 Senior Union Representatives:Brad Bastien, Glen MacInnes

COPE 378 Union Representatives:Carrol Edwards, Tony Geluch, Cathy Hirani, Barry Hodson, Ken Howie, Barbara Junker, Pat Junnila, Cindy A. Lee, Sarah Melsness, Bonnie Merriman, Brian Nelson, Kevin Payne, Cheryl Popeniuk, Kelly Quinn, Karen Rockwell, Stephen Von Sychowski

COPE 378 Administrative & Office Staff:Joanne Banfield, Karen Caston, Elaine Chilman, Lise Cluff, Adele Earwaker, Yudon Garie, Lisa Jeffery, Shelley Lockhart, Carol McLuskie, Michelle Mihaichuk, Karen McRae, Kim Smith

COPE 378 Financial Staff: Controller: Barbara LiangSandi Malhame, Donna Morris, Amandeep Nijjar

Occupational Health & Safety & WCB Appeals:Steve Milne

Organizing:Georgi Bates, Caitlin Gilroy

Job Evaluation:Teresa Davie

LTD Trust Administrator:Jim Moynham

COPE 378 Local Voice is the official quarterly magazine published for the members of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378.ISBN 1918-9753 COPE Local 378 VoiceLetters to the editor are welcome but may be edited for brevity and clarity. Please contact COPE 378 for permission to reprint articles, graphics, or photographs.

Address all correspondence to: COPE 378 Communications2nd Floor, 4595 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 1J9Phone: 604-299-0378 Toll Free: 1-800-664-6838Fax: 604-299-8211

Visit COPE 378s website at www.cope378.caOr contact us via email at [email protected]: Sage Aaron

Oops! On page 11 of the spring edition of the Local Voice (article: Supporting Safer Workplaces at BC Hydro) a photo of member David Stevenson was misidentified. We sincerely regret the error.

COPE 378 Local Voice VOLUME 9 Issue #3 Summer 2014 | 3

4 | VOLUME 9 Issue #3 Summer 2014 COPE 378 Local Voice

PRESIDENT'SWORD COPE 378: A Part of Your Community

We take pride in our community activities. We want to be where our members are.

BY DAVID BLACK, PRESIDENT

With you, were creating a sense of belonging, interconnection and

support. Were learning more about each other. Were working together.

Were making our communities stronger by being active participants.

From Pride Parades across the country, the Vancouver Sun Run, the

Dragon Boat Festival, sports events and cultural celebrations like Vaisakhi

and Lunar New Year, to supporting our members many inspiring

volunteer efforts, were honoured to be part of your community.


Change is afoot at COPE 378. Last year the union commissioned a capacity audit by organizational consultants Radica Inc. The report aimed to pro-vide COPE 378 with an analysis and assessment of the way the unions work is being done and to determine where improvements could be made.

One of the key recommendations from the Radica report was to establish a change team tasked with criti-cally examining how COPE 378 functions as a whole; to ask tough questions about the unions culture, structure and practices; to not accept because that is how we have always done it as a reason not to change; to de-velop creative and innovative ways to improve the or-ganization; and to develop recommendations that will help shape the future success of the union.

A change committee was struck in late 2013 and is made up of members from a variety of COPE 378 work-places: Tania Busch from CNS Insurance, Agnes Suttie, Annette Toth and Brian Martens from ICBC, Stephanie Smith from FortisBC, and Brian White from BC Hydro.

One of the first items identified in the report and tackled by the change committee was the need for a statement of strategic intent, commonly known as a vision statement. A clearly defined strategic intent fo-cuses the organizational vision and a sends a signal to staff and activists of the direction of the union.

COPE 378 STRATEGIC INTENTCOPE 378 is a diverse, progressive, member-driven

organization that protects members rights and em-powers them to unite for better workplaces, commu-nities and society as a whole.

With the statement in place as a guide, the commit-tee is continuing to critically examine the inner work-ings of the union with an eye to improving its connec-tion and relevance to members, making involvement with their union easier and more attractive to more members, and enhancing service delivery and organi-zational efficiency.

Its been such an education, said Smith. COPE 378 started as a social club for BC Hydro members, even before it was the BC Hydro we know now, and has

grown to a union that represents 12,000 people. Weve been looking at our constitution and by-laws and asking if we see that growth and change reflected in the way we organize and govern ourselves.

The change committee is looking at other ideas to strengthen and empower the union. One such idea is a member-to-member campaign aimed at developing member pride in the union and increasing involvement. Another idea is to start a mentorship program to ensure that the institutional knowledge held by long-time ac-tivists is passed onto a new generation of stewards and union councillors.

The committee has room for a few more members. If interested in volunteering, email COPE 378 President David Black at [email protected].

CHANGECOMMITTEEChanging COPE 378

The labour movement is all about change, explained Annette Toth. Unions exist

to fight the status quo and make things better. But normally we ask for change

from our employers or from society at large. Its time to ask it from ourselves.


SOCIAL JUSTICE A Lifeline to Fair Rates

British Columbia's ratepayers are bracing for more signifi cant electricity rate hikes. The fi rst jump in BC Hydro rates came this spring at nine per cent. The total hike will hit 28 per cent over the next fi ve years, adding hundreds of dollars to the yearly cost of electricity for most households.

While no one is happy to see their bills skyrocket, rising costs hurt some more than others.

According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alter-natives (CCPA), the defi nition of energy poverty is when the cost of paying for energy compromises the ability to aff ord the other elements of a healthy lifestyle. Mid-dle- and high-income earners often use more energy overall but pay a lower percentage of their income in energy costs compared to low-income earners.

A 2007 study by the University of Victorias

Environmental Law Centre estimated as many as

20 per cent of all British Columbian households,

349,000 in total, met the criteria for energy poverty.

Most of the people that fall into this category live in older buildings, are renters, single parents, young adults or are in their senior years. These ratepayers are more likely to face tougher fi nancial decisions, such as whether or not to pay heating or cooling bills, or gro-cery bills and rent.

Policy experts, including BC Hydros own consul-tants, divide programs that help low-income earners into a few diff erent categories, such as education, en-ergy effi ciency, customer support, bill assistance and emergency relief.

In early July 2014, the BC Liberal government an-nounced they would be putting more resources into the energy effi ciency category. Kits with items like weather stripping, fl uorescent bulbs and thermometers will be made available and they have expanded the number of people eligible for free energy evaluations, some energy effi cient products and advice.

But these measures still leave many people vulner-able to energy poverty out in the cold. The home im-provement program doesnt cover apartments or con-dos. And, depending on what type of housing someone lives in or where they are in B.C., kits may not reduce energy consumption enough to have a real impact on rising electricity bills.

Bill assistance policies would make it easier for low-income households to pay electricity costs on an ongoing basis. Some other utilities, like Californias Pa-cifi c Gas & Electric, off er a type of rate known as life-line rates, at a signifi cant discount for qualifying low-income earners.

The CCPA released a report in 2011 which praised BC Hydros Residential Inclining Block for having a moderate beneficial impact to low income rates. But the CCPA urged the government to take further action.

In the face of soaring hydro rates, this action is needed now more than ever. As part of the unions sub-missions to the BC Hydros rate review, COPE 378 will be urging BC Hydro to adopt a lifeline rate so seniors on fi xed incomes, renters in old and poorly maintained housing, and low-income families in communities that get very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer are not pushed beyond their means simply by trying to keep the lights on.

OROR

ENERGY COSTS

RENT

??

?

BY SAGE AARON, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR


ICBC

BY ANNETTE TOTH, VICE-PRESIDENT

After Two Losses in Court, ICBC Takes Another Run At Pensions in Bargaining

Around the same time this issue of the Local Voice hits members doorsteps, the unions ICBC bar-gaining committee will be sitting down with the corporation to continue negotiations on a new collec-tive agreement.

At 40 years old, COPE 378s agreement with ICBC is robust, improved and has been strengthened through several rounds of negotiations. While the unions bargain-ing committee will always work hard to achieve the very best contract for our members, the provincial govern-ment has sent a clear signal to the corporation that they are looking for savings. Theyve taken a similar position at the other Crown corporations and in the rest of the public sector. Our goal is to defend what weve achieved to en-sure those savings dont come at a cost to you.

In particular, the provincial government continues to set its sights on the ICBC pension plan.

A bit of background: the ICBC pension is currently jointly trusteed by representatives of the union and the employer. Each side has three primary trustees and two alternates. A vote requires a majority of five or more of the trustees to pass. The model is consensus based, and, up until recently, has worked very well.

But in 2012 ICBC decided it wanted to save mon-ey by increasing its employees pension contributions, which are capped at 9 per cent, to keep step with the corporations contributions, which were to exceed 9 per cent. Of course, those contribution increases would come off of our ICBC members paycheques.

The unions trustees disagreed with the change and did not approve it. COPE 378 approached both govern-ment and the corporation with other, more equitable ways to manage pension costs, but ICBC wouldnt con-

sider any option other than increasing employee con-tributions. ICBC took the pension plan and the union trustees to B.C.s Supreme Court in an effort to force the change.

The union defended the pension plan in court. We

won at the B.C. Supreme Court and won again when

ICBC brought the case to the Court of Appeal. Twice

now, the courts have confirmed that ICBC cannot force

the pension plan trustees to increase our members

pension contributions over the current cap.

But the corporation has tabled bargaining proposals

that include changes to the governance structure of the pension.

The corporations proposals would abandon the consensus model and move to majority voting. In ef-fect ICBC is saying, since we didnt get our way, were going to change the rules. Proposing these governance changes at the bargaining table is their attempt to make it harder for the union to protect members pensions.

In response, the unions bargaining committee told ICBC the pension plan must be kept separate from the bargaining table. Moreover, we told them in no uncer-tain terms that we would not accept any proposal that would reduce our members net pay and benefits with-out gains in other areas.

COPE 378 is committed to standing strong for our members. But as the discussions with ICBC heat up in the fall, its worth keeping in mind the corporations bar-gaining and pension plan are all conducted under the firm direction of the provincial government.

Annette Toth


Workplace Safety Meets Family Fun at Hydro Safety RodeoBC HYDRO

Top centre photo (left to right): Nancy

de Vries, Layne Clark, Annette Toth, Steve Milne,

Melanie Greenlaw and Bubbles the Clown.

Bottom centre photo: BC Hydro President

and CEO Jessica McDonald and COPE 378

Vice-President Gwenne Farrell

(photo credit: Josh Berson)

Over 4,000 people came out on a hot and sunny Saturday in June for the annual BC Hydro Safety Rodeo. The event, held on BC Hydro property in Surrey, is a chance for BC Hydro employees, their families, and interested members of the public to learn about workplace health and safety and celebrate the exceptional safety training of Hydro employees.

Those who attended could watch safety skills com-petitions, browse the informational booths to learn about Hydro projects and organizations like COPE 378 that work with Hydro on workplace safety, enjoy a deli-cious barbeque lunch, catch live music, and even take a ride up high in a BC Hydro bucket truck.

This event gets bigger every year. This year there were over 4,000 people. This is much more than a safety rodeo, said COPE 378 Occupational Health and Safety Director Steve Milne. Its an opportunity for Hydro to come together. And it lets peoples family and friends see what they do at work.

During the day, trained Hydro employees, from forklift operators to power line technicians along with electrical apprentices and competitors from other utili-ties, participated in competitions to showcase their skills at doing their jobs safely.

COPE 378 had a booth at the event and some of the union's BC Hydro members also competed in first aid competitions.

I saw a lot of our members, from Accenture as well as BC Hydro, out at tables and displays promoting and educating on important safety issues, as well as Hydro programs generally, said COPE 378 Vice-President Gwenne Farrell. For example, members were available to show attendees the new Hydro Mobile Response Centre, a vehicle equipped with computers and wireless communications that can respond to emergency situa-tions to coordinate power restoration quickly and safely.

The event also raised money for United Way through a dunk tank. COPE 378 President David Black took a turn in the tank and so did the President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and several senior managers from BC Hydro. For every suc-cessful dunk, COPE 378, IBEW and BC Hydro pledged $20 to the United Way. In total, $3,340 was raised for the United Way.

This is important for COPE to be at because it gives us an

opportunity to talk to our members, and at the same time

demonstrates that we strongly support keeping members

at all our workplaces safe, Farrell added.

Milne agreed: We support BC Hydros Life-Sav-ing Rules and better safety overall at BC Hydro and all our workplaces.


Staff Profile: Barbara Liang

When Barbara Liang first applied for an account-ing analyst job with COPE 378 she wasnt sure what to expect. People my whole life told me to get a union job. My dad always belonged to a union and he said, Theyre good jobs and its good protec-tion, she said.

But Barbara wasnt sure if working for a union would involve a different culture than belonging to one. Dur-ing her career as an accountant she worked for not-for-profits in Vancouver, the University of Victorias Neptune deep sea research project, a company that manufac-tures diving equipment, managed the investments of a family owned business and produced financial reports for publicly traded corporations. I wasnt sure Id fit in [at COPE 378], she admitted.

But after leaving her interview, she had a chance encounter with Senior Union Representative Glen MacInnes in the unions lobby. He asked her why she was there, made small talk and wished her good luck with the job. It was nice. One of the most important things for me about where I work is the people. I could tell this was a caring group.

Its been almost exactly three years since that inter-view and Barbara is now the unions controller, over-seeing a staff of three and working closely with both of the unions senior reps and the elected leadership. She manages all the money coming in and out of the union, as well as the unions assets.

Barbaras passion for numbers and demystifying fi-nancial information is much appreciated at COPE 378. Its part of the skill set I gained working for a publicly traded company. You can hand an executive a financial report but it will never tell someone as much as charts or graphs. You have to visualize the data in a way that makes sense for people, she enthused.

And as for the culture of the union, I really get it now, Barbara said. She says that dealing with the unions finances and accounting has opened up a connection with COPE 378s membership. I read all the bulletins so I know whats going on with our members worksites. And I process all the payments so I know what COPE does to protect them. Its an eye opener.

Her perspective has expanded beyond COPE 378s members. Now when I hear about the teachers strike and lockout, I understand it and I really feel it. I get what it would take to make that decision, that sacrifice and to take that stand.

Im really grateful to COPEs membership. Without them, I wouldnt be here in this job, she said.

Barbara lives in Coquitlam with her husband, 12-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son. Her daugh-ter has just graduated from elementary school and her son is off to university next year. When not working she spends as much time as possible with her family. Bar-bara is also a runner who enjoys long distance runs as a way to de-stress and take valuable alone time.

Barbara Liang

COPE 378

Staff

Pro

file

"One of the most important things for

me about where I work is the people."

BY SAGE AARON, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR


Familiar Face, New MissionBC NDP

After three months on the job, it is still a new and exciting feeling to write to British Columbians like you as leader of B.C.s New Democrats. I am proud to lead a party that has always put the

interests of hard-working people first. As I introduce myself to people across the province it is good to touch base with friends in COPE 378.

Over the past few years I have spoken to and heard from many of you as the New Democrat energy critic. Like COPE 378 members, I care deeply about our public hydro company, and I have been truly saddened to see it under the thumb of a government that just wont do whats right for B.C. families.

The BC Liberals told us independent power projects would reduce costs. Instead, BC Hydro is buying power it doesnt need, at an inflated price, and selling it at a loss.

They also told us before the 2013 election that hydro rates wouldnt go up. Instead, they are rising by an astonishing 28 per cent, and the average customer will be billed $477 more over the next three years.

Whether by mismanagement or political meddling, the BC Liberals are causing hydro rates and Hydro debt to skyrocketand its you and your family that pay the price.

Sadly, the failure at BC Hydro is just one of many ex-amples of a government that doesnt care about doing whats right for you and the people you care about. Think about the challenges you have in your life and there is often a BC Liberal policy lurking in the background.

Perhaps its your employer seeking concessions from you to pass on the hit from governments endless MSP hikes, hydro rate increases and licensing fees.

Perhaps its your daughter, unable to get the at-tention she needs in school because Christy Clark cut resources for classrooms and ripped up agreements to limit class size.

Or perhaps its your parents or grandparents liv-ing in discomfort because the province contracted out management of their assisted living facility to a cut-rate corporation.

With almost every decision Premier Clark and the BC Liberals make, they make life harder for most British Columbians.

I am determined to work every day to make life easier.That means good jobs in every part of the province.

It means reducing costs and improving the services that you rely onlike health care, education and transit. It means caring for seniors and providing opportunities for kids.

These will be the priorities of New Democrats under my leadership.

I ran for office because I wanted the best for my family, my neighbours and my community. Its that spirit that will guide me as leader of B.C.s New Democrats. Because you and the people you care about deserve a government that puts the interests of hard-working British Columbians first.

BY JOHN HORGAN, MLA, LEADER OF B.C.S NEW DEMOCRATS

"I am determined to work every day to make life easier."

John Horgan,

MLA, Leader

of B.C.s New

Democrats


Keeping Young Workers Safe OH&S

Last fall I stood up in front of approximately 250 Grade 9 students at Salmon Arm Secondary. My presentation on occupational health and safety was the stepping-off point before each of them participated in the annual Take Your Kid to Work Day.

Just before I was about to start my usual presenta-tion, I turned to the teacher and asked, Would any of these students know Shane Gorner? The teacher re-plied, His brother is in the audience.

In August of 2013, 19-year-old Shane Gorner was caught in a piece of machinery at his new job. Just a few short weeks after experiencing the excitement of land-ing a good job, his young life was cut tragically short and he died of his injuries.

I had assumed that many in the audience would have heard of this heartbreaking event, and I hoped that many would be familiar with the issues around work-place safety. Yet knowing that Shanes family would be in the audience and that almost all of the students would feel a personal connection to this story gave the moment a special poignancy and drove home just how important my message was for them.

Each year, young workers continue to be the most vulnerable when it comes to workplace health and safety. In B.C., approximately 28 young workers have time-loss injuries daily. (Time-loss injuries are injuries that cause any loss of time from work.)

Young workers from the Alive After Five program, part of the BCFED Health and Safety Centre, speak to over 17,000 students annually about their occupation-al health and safety (OH&S) rights. This year, we talk-ed to approximately 23,000 students. Our mandate is that all workplace injuries, illnesses, diseases and deaths are preventable and that through education, we can provide the tools for workers and students to help protect themselves.

With funding from WorkSafeBC, the Alive After Five program is able to provide free workshops for students across the province. Our presentations are unique in that they are facilitated by young union workers. Each facilitator brings unique perspectives, personal stories and humour to their presentations.

Ultimately, with our belief that workplace deaths and injuries are preventable, we hope to inspire stu-dents to stand up for themselves, participate in health and safety decisions in their workplaces and understand that they have the right to refuse unsafe work.

If you are a young union member and would like to get involved in the Alive After Five program, please email [email protected]

BY LAYNE CLARK, ALIVE AFTER FIVE COORDINATOR

EMAIL: [email protected]


When you ask members of COPE 378s dragon boat team, Making Waves, why they partici-pate, there are two things that come up again and again. The first is the opportunity for outdoor physi-cal activity, and the second is getting to know other union members:

New friendships.Its a good way to get out and meet other members

of the union and participate in the community. Its a team sport so you get to meet other union

members from other worksites.The atmosphere is amazing. Everybody is friendly

and supportive.Nearly 20 COPE 378 members from approximately

a dozen different workplaces participated on the team this year. Some, like Helen Baker from ICBC, have more than 10 years of experience dragon boating, while for others this was their first time. Usually the team has four coached evening practices before racing in the main Dragon Boat Festival in June on False Creek. Unfortu-nately, a nearby police incident on one of the practice days resulted in one practice being cancelled. The set-back, however, didnt seem to affect the teams spirits by the time the festival arrived.

Capilano University member Maureen Black re-turned for a second year racing with the team. She de-scribed how she was feeling on the race weekend:

The atmosphere is amazing. Everybody is friendly and supportive. A really fun part of the day is when youre marshalling. All the teams are lined up, everybodys got lots of energy and its loud and exciting and youre all congratulating each other and supporting each other. Other teams walk by and give you high-fives. You come out of the boat and youre soaking wet but youre hap-py. Im having an amazing time, she said.

Andrea Foster, who works at Powertech Labs, agreed. The best part of the day is in the boat. Im hav-ing a total pile of fun.

COPE 378 Executive Board Member Melanie Green-law has been on the team from its first year in 2012 and serves as the team captain. She noted, [Team mem-bers] are getting to meet other COPE 378 members from different bargaining units. Theyre getting a feeling that COPE 378 is more than just a union; were becom-ing a family.

For some, the family aspect is more literal. Andrea and Catherine Bobenic and Tanya Bratton are three family members who each work for different employ-ers, but are all COPE 378 members. Catherine and An-drea returned for their second year on the team.

Its a lot of fun and its a new thing to do. Its a good learning experience, said Catherine.

Tanya joined them for the first time this year. My sister and sister-in-law won a medal last year. To the union she said, Thanks for letting us have this and do this; its a lot of fun.

Thank you to COPE for supporting [the team] and bringing us all together and making for an amazing weekend, Maureen agreed.

To members who are thinking about joining next year, Helen said, Even if you havent paddled before, its a really good way to get an introduction to dragon boating.

Dont be shy, Catherine confirmed. People should come out and join us next year.

Making Waves at the 2014 Dragon Boat FestivalMEMBERS

New

friendships.

Its a team

sport so you

get to meet

other union

members

from other

worksites.

WHY

PARTICIPATE?


When FortisBC opened their B.C. call centres in early 2012 COPE 378 already represented em-ployees at Fortis gas division and electric divi-sions. The company knew their employees would likely seek union representation, and COPE 378 and Fortis had established a fair and respectful relationship through a long association and several rounds of bargaining. For-tis agreed to voluntary recognition, meaning the com-pany voluntarily recognized COPE 378 as the union for their new call centre employees.

While the recognition spared COPE 378s mem-bers and the employer the sometimes difficult process of voting a union into a workplace, COPE 378 and its members were also denied an important experience: building relationships and knowledge about the labour movement. Usually when joining a union, new mem-bers learn about the union and its processes. They spend time, one-on-one, with union staff talking about collective agreements, remedying issues through griev-ances, protecting health and safety and, most impor-tantly, the bargaining process.

All of our Fortis Customer Care members have been with us for less than three years, said COPE 378s Vice-President for Utilities Gwenne Farrell. They had never bargained an agreement and, since they didnt have to fight get a union, theyre new to the grievance procedure, which is used between bargaining to resolve violations of the collective agreement.

Voluntary recognition was new to COPE 378, too, Farrell continued. Were used to relying on the institu-tional knowledge of our Fortis gas and electricity mem-bers. We didnt think about what a lack of knowledge could mean or what we needed to do to get people ready to bargain.

After several weeks of hammering out proposals through tough negotiations with Fortis, the unions bar-gaining committee reached a tentative agreement at the end of February. But when the agreement was pre-sented to the membership, they voted to reject it.

I was surprised, said COPE 378 Senior Union Repre-sentative Brad Bastien. I thought the bargaining commit-tee had done a good job of listening to the members. We had to find out why the agreement had failed.

COPE 378 issued an online survey to drill down on members priorities and held several face-to-face meetings. The union learned many members didnt un-derstand the bargaining process and what it meant to reject an agreement.

Once an agreement is rejected, the bargaining committee and the employer must return to the table, but often the situation gets more serious. There are many good reasons to reject an agreement, but there are risks: rejection brings both sides closer to a strike or a lockout.

Union representative Cindy A. Lee said, We didnt teach our members what was a grievance issue versus a bargaining issue, or what falls under another jurisdic-tion. That was part of the confusion. But were working with them now teach them what they need to fully use their unions protection.

Fortunately, a second agreement was negotiated which included improvements to wages, benefits and seniority. The members voted by 75 per cent to accept the agreement at the end of May.

The Importance of Building Relationships and Communicating FORTISBC

"... when joining a union, new members learn about the

union and its processes. They spend time, one-on-one,

with union staff talking about collective agreements,

remedying issues through grievances, protecting health

and safety and, most importantly, the bargaining process."


Working Local, Helping LocalUNITED WAY

Its easy to take the everyday things in life for granted. Your family and friends. Your health. Your paycheque. But life can change in an instant. Here in Canada we have a strong social safety net

in place to catch us. Thats due in part to the strength of the labour movement and unions like COPE 378. Its also due in part to non-profits like United Way that fund so many of the agencies that do front-line work to help us in our times of need.

Take Shaelyn for instance. Three years ago, Shaelyn couldnt afford the basics for her boys. She had $85 left after rent each month and she struggled to make ends meet. Her sons were living in poverty and not getting the best start in life. Shaelyn and her boys are not alone living in poverty. One in five children in B.C. lives below the poverty line. Its unacceptable.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Shaelyn got help. She was connected to a support program in New Westminster funded by United Way that provides housing, guidance and job training for young moms. Today, shes working as a real estate assistant and her boys are getting a chance at the great life they de-serve. Because people care, her boys are moving from poverty to possibility.

Or take Matthew. Matthew used to get bullied. A lot. He got his pants pulled down, he got punched, he was made to feel worthless. He switched elementary schools five times. Like Shaelyn, Matthews story is not

unique. One-third of school-age children are bullied or bully others. Its unacceptable.

Matthew didnt want anyone else to go through what he endured. He signed up for a bullying preven-tion program funded by United Way. He is now one of 479 youth facilitators trained last year that have helped 28,000 kids across the province.

Both United Way and the labour movement op-erate based on a simple, profound truth: what unites us is more powerful than what divides us. COPE 378 embraces this philosophy and actively helps keep our community strong and resilient.

COPE 378 members have been generous support-ers of United Way across B.C. over the years. Just to name a few workplaces, COPE 378 members from Capilano University raised $28,000 for United Way in 2013; members at TransLink, just under $275,000; at BCAA, more than $225,000, including a corporate gift; at BC Hydro, more than $410,000, including a corpo-rate gift; and from ICBC, including a corporate gift, more than $465,000.

By giving to United Way, you are investing your own community, where you live, work, learn and play. Thank you for helping move families from poverty to possibil-ity, helping children be all that they can be, and building stronger communities for seniors. To learn more, visit www.uwlm.ca

Photo: Shaelyn plays with one of her two sons.

COPE 378 members have raised:(along with

corporate gifts)

CAPILANO UNIVERSITY

$28,000

1children in B.C. lives below the poverty line5

in

TRANSLINk

$275,000

BCAA

$225,000

BC HYDRO

$410,000

ICBC

$465,000

JUST UNDER

BY JENNIFER YOUNG, UWLM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS


Have you ever thought about holding an elected position in your community? Are you interested in how decisions are made in your city, school district or regional district?

This fall, on November 15, British Columbia will hold its local government elections. This is your oppor-tunity to make a difference in how decisions are made in your community by voting, volunteering on a cam-paign, or even running as a candidate.

What IS loCal goVernment? Local governments include municipalities, cities,

villages, towns, school boards, park boards, regional districts, islands trust about 189 local governments will be holding elections on November 15.

Local governments affect many aspects of our daily lives, from our drinking water, our daily commute, and decisions around our childrens education, to making sure our families are protected by police, fire services and emergency preparedness procedures.

Even though local government makes a huge im-pact in our daily lives, it has the lowest voter turnout - usually around 25-30 per cent. Hopefully, with your help, we can help change that and get more people participating.

What IS the role of labour CounCIlS?Local labour councils, in conjunction with the Ca-

nadian Labour Congress, work with our communities to make sure that progressive candidates are elected to local government. In the months leading up to the elec-tions, labour councils review decisions made by elected politicians, speak to potential candidates, and endorse the best voices to represent the things we, as a labour movement, believe in.

What exaCtly doeS beIng a ProgreS-SIVe CandIdate mean?

Progressive candidates submit written submissions and are interviewed by a panel. Delegates from unions who represent members of your communities at your local labour council then vote whether or not to en-dorse the candidates. To be endorsed, the candidates must stand for and represent those principles that we fight for in the labour movement, such as fair taxation, good jobs and fair wages in our communities, healthy and sustainable cities, and supporting a strong, fully funded public education system for our children.

hoW Can I make a dIfferenCe thIS noVember?

Well, most importantly, you can vote. COPE 378 will be sending out a list of progressive candidates in your region, as endorsed by your local labour council. Take the time on November 15 to get out and mark their names on your ballot.

You can also contact your local progressive candi-date and spend a few hours volunteering on their cam-paign. Plus, you can find some time on Election Day, after you have voted of course, to remind other union members in your community to take the time to vote.

If you are ready to take that big leap and become a candidate yourself, please contact your political action chairs about ways COPE 378 can support you.

Together, we can make a difference.

Making Change in Your Communities

POLITICAL ACTION

COMMITTEE

BY KARL RILEY AND JOHN HOOKER, POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

No

v 15

, 20

14

Please make a plan to vote, sign up to volunteer, or put your name on a ballot!

MU

NIC

IPA

L E

LEC

TIO

NS


I grew up on the North Shore, in West Vancouver and then North Vancouver. My North Shore childhood meant looking out of my bedroom window and see-ing the Lions, spending beach days at Ambleside, taking hikes at Lynn Canyon, and going for rides on the Sea-Bus. Just as much as those places were fixtures of my community, so was Capilano University or CapU (then Capilano College).

My older brother took night classes at Cap. My dad taught jazz appreciation for seniors at the schools ElderCollege. I saw outstanding concerts and plays at the Cap theatre. I also got to witness many Cap staff and faculty members giving back to the community on their own time. For example, our churchs choir director taught in Caps music department.

But the role CapU has played in the community for more than 40 years is at risk.

When Capilano College became a university in 2008, they took on more expenses for things like li-censing and developing new programs. Unfortunately, the provincial government didnt increase their fund-ing to keep up. CapU now has the second-lowest per capita funding in B.C.

Finding itself without a lot of other options, CapU is restructuring its programs to get as much revenue from students as possible. Last year CapU announced dramatic cuts, including the elimination of some of its renowned, unique creative programs. This year CapU is facing a $2.2 million deficit and has announced across-the-board cuts.

Eleven COPE 378 members at CapU received lay-

off notice as part of this years cuts. Without govern-ment help to bring CapU up to at least the level of the next-lowest university, the loss of unique programs and family and community-supporting jobs is likely to continue.

But the situation the BC Liberal government has left CapU in isnt just an issue for our members or our union; its an issue for the broader community on the North Shore, as well as in Squamish and the Sunshine Coast, where CapU has satellite campuses.

CapU lets students learn in small classes in their own community. Students and community groups ben-efit from CapUs partnerships with business, commu-nity, educational, non-profit and service organizations.

CapU has something for community members of all ages from summer learning day camps for kids and teens to continuing education and public lectures for adults, to ElderU classes for seniors.

The university also has strong and lasting relation-ships with local First Nations. Over 450 Aboriginal stu-dents are enrolled at CapU in a variety of programs, in-cluding the Squamish and Lilwat Nation Language and Culture programs.

Knowing how important CapU is to the com-munities it serves, COPE 378 is asking its members in those communities to take the message to their MLAs. While West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan has agreed more funding is necessary, more pressure must be applied to all of the North Shore BC Liberal MLAs to force them to take a stand against the cuts happening as a result of their governments inaction.

Capilano University: Part of the North Shore CommunityCAMPAIGNS

BY JARRAH HODGE, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Visithttp://www.cope378.ca/capu-fair-funding

to learn more and send a message to your MLA to ask them to support fair funding for Capilano University.

knowing how important CapU is to the

communities it serves, COPE 378 is asking

its members in those communities to take

the message to their MLAs.


Were proud to feature three stories of the diff er-ent ways COPE 378 members are supporting their communities through volunteer work. Jean Penner, a COPE 378 member at Avis Car Rent-

al, will walk 100 kilometres in three days this September and sleep two nights out in a red two person pup tent to support Canadians with kidney disease. This will be my second year for the march, said Jean. This year Im bringing my daughter.

She has ambitious goals for both fundraising and training. My goal this year is to raise ten thousand dol-lars. Last year I raised nearly fi ve thousand. I train about four days a week, short walks are between 10 to 16 kilo-metres. I try to do one long walk a week between 25 to 44 kilometres, she said.

Jean is supporting the Kidney March because one in ten people every day in Canada hear that they have kidney issues. This disease is the number one killer in Canada, said Jean. There is no cure. It takes more lives than breast and prostate cancer combined each year. Please donate what you can. To sponsor Jean visit http://bit.ly/JeanKidney.

COPE 378 member Marilyn Werden volunteers ev-ery week at the WISH Drop-in Centre in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside. WISH is a supportive environment operated by women for the exclusive use of survival sex trade workers. I have been volunteering since July 2013 and it is one of the most enriching experiences of my life, she said.

WISH off ers survival sex workers (many of whom live on the street and face daily violence) hot meals, showers, clothing and personal care items. The staff and volunteers create a safe space to relax and connect them with referrals, programs and give them access to

nursing care. I spend about four hours a week either in the

kitchen, the donation room or the makeup room. We serve about 120 meals a night, she said. I always smile when the women thank us because they really enjoyed a meal.

Marilyn, who works for the BC Nurses Union, also volunteers for COPE 378 as the unions returning of-fi cer, ensuring all our elections are conducted fairly and according to the constitution.

Since she slipped on her fi rst ballet slippers at age three, the arts have been an important part of Korleen Carreras life. A COPE 378 member at the BCGEU, Ko-rleen devotes much of her time to her role as the vice-president for the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Coun-cil. The Arts Council is a not-for-profi t organization that supports and encourages local art groups and artists in the communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. The council is also responsible for The Act theatre, art edu-cation programs and the Maple Ridge Art Gallery.

Im the Council chair of the scholarship commit-tee. Every year we award fi ve $1,000 scholarships to grade 12 students pursuing a post-secondary education in the arts. The talent that we see during the auditions each year is amazing! Im grateful were able to encour-age our young artists and give them a little support on theirjourney.

Korleen credits being active in her community with helping her to meet new people, build friendships, and feel very much at home in Pitt Meadows.

COPE 378 Members in Our CommunitiesHERO

VOLUNTEERS

Jean Penner pictured above at the kidney March

Are you a COPE 378 member making a diff erence in

your community? Email your story to [email protected]

Email us your story...


SUMMER 2014 EDITIONBARGAINING BRIEFS

BY ADELE EARWAKER, KAREN MCRAE AND KIM SMITH

BCAA EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICENotice to begin bargaining was sent on June 2, 2014. Bargaining dates have been set for September 15 and 16 to exchange proposals. The unions bargaining committee is being determined and will be led by Union Representative Carrol Edwards.

BCAA SERVICE CENTRESNotice to begin bargaining was sent on June 2, 2014. Bargaining dates have been set for September 15 and 16 to exchange proposals, with fur-ther bargaining dates set for September 22-24. The unions bargaining committee is being determined and will be led by Union Representative Carrol Edwards.

BCGEUThe collective agreement expired March 31, 2014. Two new executive councillors have been elected from the membership. The bargaining committee will meet in the near future to prepare proposals and serve notice to the employer to select bargaining dates. Sherry Baker, Karon Hardy, Michelle Medeiros and Union Representative Bonnie Merriman serve on the unions bargaining committee

BC HYDROThe collective agreement for the COPE 378 members at BC Hydro expired on March 31, 2014. The parties reached an agreement on June 20, 2014. On July 22, 2014 the members voted to accept the agreement. Andrea Foster, April Young, Bojan Bucic, Calvin Jonas, Rysa Kronebusch and Union Representative Barbara Junker serve on the union's bargain-ing committee.

BC TRANSITThe parties met the week of July 14, 2014. They are scheduled to meet again on August 26.Ann Marie Gregory, Debbie Yablonski, Don Showers, Alison MacDonald and Union Representative Kevin Payne serve on the bargaining committee.

CANADIAN FREIGHTWAYS LTD.The collective agreement for the members at this unit expired on Decem-ber 31, 2013. On July 21, 2014 the members voted to accept the agree-ment. Highlights of the agreement include a $1,000 signing bonus and improvements to severance. Sue Heidinger, Lisa Main, Wesley Rickards and Union Representative Ken Howie served on the bargaining committee.

CANADIAN NORTHERN SHIELDThe collective agreement expires September 30, 2014. The bargaining sur-vey was sent out to the membership and results tabulated. The bargaining committee has met and completed proposals. Notice to bargain will be served. Tania Busch, Gloria Kondruk and Union Representative Barry Hodson serve on the unions bargaining committee.

CAPILANO UNIVERSITYThe collective agreement for the members at this bargaining unit expired on March 31, 2014. The bargaining committee met on July 8 and 9. The first draft of proposals is done and the committee is scheduled to meet again on August 19 and 20 to finalize proposals and serve notice to begin bargaining.Brenda Rovner, Brenda Myers, Eric Roberts, Todd Nickel and Union Rep-resentative Karen Rockwell serve on the bargaining committee.

CIATUThe collective agreement expired on April 30, 2014. The bargaining com-mittee has been selected and a meeting of the committee will be sched-uled as soon as possible to prepare proposals.Rachel Abbott, Marlene Graham, Michael Milner, Kelly Williamson and Union Representative Bonnie Merriman serve on the unions bargaining committee.

COLUMBIA VALLEY CREDIT UNIONA new agreement was ratified on June 27, 2014. Highlights of the four-year deal are as follows: wage increases of 2.5 per cent, 2.5 per cent, 2.75 per cent and 2.75 per cent; part-time regular employees to receive employer RRSP contributions; increase to employer RRSP contribution; pay for ca-suals increased to the Living Wage rate (approximately $4.00 more per hour); retained second floating holiday; paid sick time for part-time regular employees; all employees will be able to access an employee assistance program (EAP).Bonny MacLeod, Neva Essery and Union Representative Sarah Melsness served on the unions bargaining committee.

COMMUNITY SAVINGS CREDIT UNIONA new collective agreement was ratified on June 9, 2014. Highlights of the four-year deal are as follows: wage increases of 2.5 per cent, 2.5 per cent, 2.75 per cent and 2.75 per cent; part-time regular employees will now have the employer pay 100 per cent of health premiums; increase casual rate to the Living Wage rate (approximately $4.00 more per hour); increased employer RRSP contribution; increases in chiropractic and vi-sion care; retirement eligibility reduced to age 60 from 65; option of taking six months unpaid leave at the end of a maternity/parental leave; and five more vacation days after 35 years of service.Loralee Dallas, Graeme Hutchison and Union Representative Sarah Mel-sness served on the unions bargaining committee.

CUPE BC & LOCALSThe collective agreement expired on December 31, 2013. Proposals have been finalized and notice to begin bargaining has been served. Bargaining dates still to be confirmed. Lori Watt, Nadine Ford and Union Representative Barry Hodson serve on the unions bargaining committee.

CUPE 3338The collective agreement expires on August 31, 2014. Notice to bargain was served on April 28, 2014. Currently awaiting information from the member before setting bargaining dates with the employer.Bargaining will be conducted by Union Representative Barry Hodson.

DA TOWNLEY & ASSOCIATESThe collective agreement expires on December 31, 2014. The bargaining survey has been sent out to the membership and input received. The par-ties are determining dates to meet with the bargaining committee to draft proposals.Colleen Finn, Lina Johal and Union Representative Cheryl Popeniuk serve on the unions bargaining committee.

FORTIS ENERGY-CSCThe collective agreement for the members at this unit expired on March 31, 2014. After rejecting the first offer the members ratified a new collective agreement in May. Some of the highlights include: a six per cent wage in-crease over the term of the agreement; seniority for part-time employees to be by date of hire instead of hours worked; improvement to bereave-ment leave language; and agreement for a review of job descriptions to be completed by April 1, 2015.Frederick Boudrias, Kathryn Prinz, Kelly Barret, Lea McNaughton and Se-nior Union Representative Brad Bastien serve on the unions bargaining committee.

HANDY PACKThe collective agreement for the members at this bargaining unit expired on May 31, 2013. On May 14, 2014 the members at this unit voted in favour of ratifying the new collective agreement, with wage increases over three and a half years to August, 2016.Bargaining was conducted by Union Representative Mike Novak.

ICBCThe collective agreement expired on June 30, 2014. The parties met on June 23, 24 and 26. Bargaining protocols were discussed and proposals exchanged with one another. COPE 378 and the corporation were able to sign off on several proposals related to housekeeping matters. The next bargaining dates are August 18, 19 and 20. The bargaining committee met July 14 through 17 to research and evaluate the corporations package of proposals. We have made it clear to the employer we will not accept any concessions.Yasmin Carroll, Karin Cirez, Annette Toth, Joyce Galuska, Trevor Hansen, Robert Starcevich and Union Representative Kevin Smyth serve on the unions bargaining committee.

IWA FOREST INDUSTRY PENSION AND LTD PLANS The collective agreement expires on August 31, 2014. The unions bar-gaining committee has met and finalized proposals. Notice to bargain has been served and we are awaiting confirmation of bargaining dates. Beth Turner, Sylva Teghararian and Union Representative Barry Hodson serve on the unions bargaining committee.

IAMAW (CANADIAN AIRWAYS) LOCAL LODGE NO 140This is a new bargaining unit, previously included in the Master Trade Union certification. Joanne McGaughey and Union Representative Pat Junnila serve on the unions bargaining committee.

More info at

cope378.ca


IS PUBLISHED BY

Phone: 604-299-0378Fax: 604-299-8211E-mail: [email protected] 1918-9753 COPE Local 378 Voice

COPE 378: President David Black Secretary-Treasurer Lori Mayhew

LOCAL VOICE Editor: Sage Aaron USW 2009DESIGNED BY: Dansk Design Groupdanskdesigngroup.comPRINTED AT: Mitchell Press, Burnaby, B.C.

Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378,2nd Floor, 4595 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 1J9POSTAL AGREEMENT #41267023

BARGAINING BRIEFS

IAMAW (CANADIAN AIRWAYS) LOCAL LODGE NO 764This is a new bargaining unit, previously included in the Master Trade Union certification. The bargaining committee is being determined and will be led by Union Representative Pat Junnila.

IAM DISTRICT LODGE NO 250This is a new bargaining unit, previously included in the Master Trade Union certification. Several rounds of bargaining have been completed, and we are now down to the final stages. Efforts are being made on both sides to complete bargaining in a timely fashion. Janet Trudell and Union Representative Bonnie Merriman serve on the unions bargaining committee.

KEKINOW NATIVE HOUSING SOCIETYThe collective agreement expired on March 31, 2010. Bargaining is almost finished but due to funding shortages, we have allowed the employer a few months in order to find funding for wage increases. We will follow up with the employer at the end of September with a view to complete bargaining.Terry Frank, Karen McCallum and Union Representative Cheryl Pope-niuk serve on the unions bargaining committee.

KELOWNA CABSThe collective agreement expired on May 31, 2013. Bargaining began in October, and progressed to the point of having a mediator, Grant McAr-thur, involved. During bargaining the companys executive board resigned and the manager was terminated, causing a delay. On Tuesday, July 8, the parties met with the mediator and have reached a tentative agreement. The ratification vote results were being counted as of press time for the Local Voice. Al Lewis and Union Representative Barry Hodson serve on the unions bargaining committee.

MACLURES CABSThe collective agreement expired on March 14, 2014. Union proposals have been drafted and approved. On Friday, July 11 we met at the Labour Relations Board with Mediator Wayne Mullins and addressed a Section 54 matter and further established five dates in September for negotiations. David Clancy and Union Representative Kevin Payne serve on the unions bargaining committee.

MASTER TRADE UNIONThe collective agreement expired December 31, 2013. The unions bar-gaining committee will be meeting soon to draft proposals and set dates with the employer.Janice Ford, Janice Krieger and Union Representative Pat Junnila serve on the unions bargaining committee.

NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTYThe collective agreement expired on June 30, 2013. Renewal of a new two-year collective agreement was ratified by the members on June 9, 2014. Members received a signing bonus and improvements to vaca-tion entitlement.Karl Riley and Union Representative Stephen Von Sychowski served on the unions bargaining committee.

SEIU The collective agreement expired on the December 31, 2013. The em-ployers chief spokesperson will be on the west coast in August and bar-gaining will begin then. Bargaining will be led by Union Representative Bonnie Merriman.

TELECOMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION The collective agreement expired on July 31, 2011. The parties are at an impasse regarding a two-tier proposal from the employer. We have met with the members and are exploring our options. Bill Nielsen, Linda Lund and Union Representative Cheryl Popeniuk serve on the unions bargaining committee.

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 155The collective agreement expired on March 31, 2014. The bargaining sur-vey has been sent out to the membership and a bargaining committee meeting will be scheduled soon.Gayle Antoshchuk and Union Representative Pat Junnila will serve on the unions bargaining committee.

THUNDERBIRD WSThe collective agreement for this bargaining unit expired on March 31, 2014. The committee is in the process of compiling proposals.Bargaining is being conducted by Union Representative Barbara Junker.

UNIFOR LOCAL 1928 The collective agreement expired in December 2005. This employer has a name change waiting in the queue at the BC LRB. They are now Unifor 1928. The employer has signed the proposed collective agreement. The ratification vote has been held and will be counted and announced by week ending July 18.Bargaining is being conducted by Union Representative Bonnie Mer-riman.

VANCOUVER MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION A first collective agreement has been bargained. The collective agreement has been prepared and is being proofread by both parties.Bargaining is being conducted by Union Representative Bonnie Merriman.

VANCOUVER TAXI (CENTRAL TAXI DISPATCH)The collective agreement was ratified on May 8, 2014. The new agreement is being proofread by both parties for printing. Bernie Stroh and Union Representative Dave Park served on the unions bargaining committee.

VICTORIA TRADE UNIONThe collective agreement expires on July 31, 2014. The bargaining survey was sent out to the membership for their input. Notice to begin bargaining will be served.The bargaining committee is being determined and will be led by Union Representative Pat Junnila.

WORKING VENTURES INSURANCE SOLUTIONS LTD. (FORMERLY WORKING ENTERPRISES)The collective agreement expired on May 31, 2014. Members ratified a new three-year collective agreement on May 7, 2014. Highlights include wage increases of 2.5 per cent in each of the three years, an overtime increase and a contribution rate gain to the pension plan.Dana Richmond and Union Representative Cheryl Popeniuk served on the unions bargaining committee.


In May the RCMP announced that the number of miss-ing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada was over 1,100 - much higher than previously estimated. The statistics in their report show how disproportion-ate is the violence Aboriginal women experience. For example, Aboriginal women make up about four per cent of the female population, but 16 per cent of female homicide victims.

Overall, what the numbers mean is approximately forty Aboriginal women and girls each year never make it back to their loved ones.

COPE 378 Human Rights Committee Chair Joyce Galuska is passionate about the need for government action on this issue.

Its absolutely unbelievable that this has been going on for so long without a massive public outcry or gov-ernment action, says Galuska.

The United Nations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, not to mention many Canadian organizations, have all called on Stephen Harpers gov-ernment to hold an independent national inquiry. But the Conservatives just say what theyre doing is working. Its clearly not, Galuska added.

Earlier this summer COPE 378 set up a campaign on the unions website to encourage members and the public to send a letter to Prime Minister Harper on this issue. The union also submitted a resolution drafted by Galuska to the Canadian Labour Congress convention to urge more action from the labour movement.

As a union we need to represent all our members. And part of what unions are about is recognizing the value of average people in our society. This issue has meant that First Nations people not only feel marginal-ized; they also feel disposable. More unions need to get involved in helping us seek justice, Galuska said.

COPE 378 has also supported Galuskas involve-ment with reconciliation work over the past couple of years.

Reconciliation is about highlighting First Nations in Canada and creating new relationships and under-standing. To do that we need to talk about the past. Most people have no clue what happened in residential schools, the impact of people stolen from their homes and families and how the government tried to annihilate their culture, Galuska explained, Part of the violence and vulnerability we see now is related to the dysfunc-tion created by that era.

Reconciliation, and addressing the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, is about getting our sense of pride back and saying the government, not the victims, have to own that dysfunction and make it right, Galuska added.

Visit COPE 378's campaign webpage at www.cope378.ca/mmaw to send a message send a message to Prime Minister Harper to call for justice for missing and murdered Aboriginal women.

Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous WomenHUMANRIGHTS

BY JARRAH HODGE, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Justice for Missingand MurderedAboriginal Women

Its absolutely unbelievable that this has

been going on for so long without a massive

public outcry or government action, says Galuska.


COPE 378 members work at the following properties

Accenture Business ServicesUnion Rep: Tony Geluch

Alma Mater SocietyUnion Rep: Carrol Edwards

Alma Mater Society SecurityUnion Rep: Carrol Edwards

AviscarUnion Rep: Cathy Hirani

BCAA SC & ERSUnion Rep: Carrol Edwards

BC Computerized Dispatch (Yellow Cab)Union Rep: Kevin Payne

BC Federation of LabourUnion Rep: Barry Hodson

BC Ferry & Marine Workers UnionUnion Rep: Barry Hodson

BCGEUUnion Rep: Bonnie Merriman

BC Hydro (including Powertech Construction Services)Union Reps: Barbara Junker, Karen Rockwell

BC Nurses Union Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman

BC TransitUnion Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk

Beach Place VenturesUnion Rep: Kevin Payne

Berlitz CanadaUnion Rep: Kevin Payne

Bonnys TaxiUnion Rep: Kevin Payne

Canadian Freightways Ltd.Union Rep: Tony Geluch

Canadian Northern Shield/RSAUnion Rep: Barry Hodson

Capilano UniversityUnion Rep: Karen Rockwell

Carpenters Local 1928Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman

Catalyst PaperUnion Rep: Tony Geluch

CIATUUnion Rep: Bonnie Merriman

Coast Mountain BusUnion Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk

Coastal Community Credit UnionUnion Rep: Sarah Melsness

Coastal Community Financial ManagementUnion Rep: Sarah Melsness

Coastal Community InsuranceUnion Rep: Sarah Melsness

College of Pharmacists of BCUnion Rep: Tony Geluch

College of Registered NursesUnion Rep: Tony Geluch

Columbia HydroUnion Rep: Brad Bastien

Columbia Valley Credit UnionUnion Rep: Sarah Melsness

Community Savings Credit UnionUnion Rep: Sarah Melsness

Coral Cabs (Richmond Taxi)Union Rep: Kevin Payne

CUPE 374Union Rep: Barry Hodson




CUPE BC & LocalsUnion Rep: Barry Hodson

DA Townley & AssociatesUnion Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk

Dollar ThriftyUnion Rep: Cathy Hirani

DW ServicesUnion Rep: Carrol Edwards

EcojusticeUnion Rep: Barry Hodson

Enterprise Rent-A-CarUnion Rep: Cathy Hirani

FortisBC Customer Service CentresUnion Rep: Cindy A. Lee

FortisBC Energy Inc.Union Rep: Cindy A. Lee

FortisBC Inc.Union Rep: Cindy A. Lee

Gulf & Fraser Fishermens Credit UnionUnion Rep: Sarah Melsness

Handy PackUnion Rep: Cindy A. Lee

Hastings Entertainment Inc.Union Rep: Tony Geluch

HertzUnion Rep: Cathy Hirani

IAMAW Transportation District Lodge 140Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman

IAMAW District Lodge 250Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman

IAMAW Local Lodge 764 (Canadian Airways)Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman

ICBCUnion Reps: Kevin Smyth, Kelly Quinn, Stephen Von Sychowski

Island Savings Credit Union and InsuranceUnion Rep: Sarah Melsness

IWA Forest Industry PPUnion Rep: Barry Hodson

Kekinow Native Housing SocietyUnion Rep: Barry Hodson

Kelowna Cabs Ltd.Union Rep: Kevin Payne

Konica MinoltaUnion Rep: Carrol Edwards

Kruger Products (Scott Paper)Union Rep: Karen Rockwell

Ladysmith & District CUUnion Rep: Sarah Melsness

Lake City CasinosUnion Rep: Cathy Hirani

LuMa Native Housing SocietyUnion Rep: Barry Hodson

MacLures Cabs Ltd.Union Rep: Kevin Payne

Marine Workers & BoilermakersUnion Rep: Bonnie Merriman

Master Trade OfficeUnion Rep: Bonnie Merriman

New Democratic PartyUnion Rep: Barry Hodson

Pacific Vehicle TestingUnion Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk

SchneiderUnion Rep: Cathy Hirani

Seaspan International Ltd.Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk

SEIU 244Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman

Southern RailwayUnion Rep: Cindy A. Lee

Teamsters Local 31Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman

Teamsters Local 155Union Rep: Bonnie Merriman

Teamsters Local 213 & 213 Member Benefit PlanUnion Rep: Bonnie Merriman

Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU)Union Rep: Barry Hodson

Telecommunication Workers Pension PlanUnion Rep: Barry Hodson

Teletheatre BCUnion Rep: Tony Geluch

Thunderbird Winter SportsUnion Rep: Barbara Junker

TransLinkUnion Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk

Tree IslandUnion Rep: Cindy A. Lee

United Fishermen & Allied Worker UnionUnion Rep: Bonnie Merriman

Vancouver Musicians AssociationUnion Rep: Bonnie Merriman

Vancouver Shipyards Ltd.Union Rep: Cheryl Popeniuk

Vancouver Taxi Ltd. (Central Taxi Dispatch)Union Rep: Kevin Payne

VantageOne Credit UnionUnion Rep: Sarah Melsness

Victoria Shipyards Ltd.Union Rep: Kevin Payne

Victoria Trade UnionUnion Rep: Bonnie Merriman

Westminster Savings Credit UnionUnion Rep: Sarah Melsness

Working Ventures Insurance Solutions Union Rep: Barry Hodson

Xylem Water SolutionsUnion Rep: Tony Geluch

Yellow PagesUnion Rep: Barry Hodson


RETURN UNDELIVERABLECANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:#200 - 4595 CANADA WAY,BURNABY, B.C. V5G 1J9

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41267023

CUSTOM CARTOONS FOR COPE 378 MEMBERS

Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union, Local 378

www.COPE378.ca

Annual Financial Report2013

www.COPE378.ca

2 | Annual Financial Report 2013 | COPE 378

Message from your Secretary-Treasurer

Its my pleasure to present the COPE 378 annual au-dited fi nancial report for the fi scal year 2013.Each year, the unions fi nancial staff and I take

great pains to put together a detailed and accurate review of the past years fi nances. Our goal is to give our members the information they need to judge the fi nancial management of their union. This year is no diff erent.

In fact, 2013 continued along the trajectory set out in 2012. Our fi nances remain, by and large, stable and relatively boring. The economic context was very similar to the year preceding: economic growth was slower than anticipated and somewhat fragile. De-spite these circumstances, and despite the changes the union made to the defence fund contribution formula which reduces contributions once the fund reaches certain thresholds, COPE 378s defence fund remained robust and, in fact, grew over the last fi scal year to just over $20 million (graph pictured on the next page).

The defence fund, managed in keeping with the unions ethical investment policies, has produced a 13 per cent return over the last fi scal year. As many of our members who work in fi nance know, ethical investments do demand more attention and harder work from our investment manager in order to fi nd a suitable rate of return. The union is relatively fi scally conservative in our investment strategies, but our ap-proach is born of two principles we use to manage all our aff airs: we must contribute positively to society at large and we must do everything in our power to protect our members.

The union received $9.6 million in dues over the 2013 fi scal year, which was reduced to $8.4 million in net revenue after our per capita payments, which in-clude affi liation fees to local labour councils and the provincial, national and international labour bodies who advocate on our members behalf. Its worth not-ing our dues are lower than most unions at 1.5 per cent of gross pay, instead of the more common 2 per cent.

Our yearly expenses for 2013 were $8.8 million. The diff erence between net revenue and expenses was met by transferring some of the previous years interest earned from the defence fund, as provided for in our constitution and approved our executive council.

While there may not be much new or surprising in this fi nancial report I am pleased with the continued stability provided by our long term fi nancial strategies. Through careful management of our fi nances and op-erations COPE 378 remains ready and able to serve and defend our members, yet prepared to face any challenges that may arise.

Lori Mayhew

Lori MayhewSecretary-Treasurer COPE 378

COPE 378 | Annual Financial Report 2013 | 3

COPE 378 Defence Fund

The defence fund is the item of primary interest to most of our members be-cause thisfund dictates our ability to fi nancially support our members in the event of job action. The threat of job action and our right to withdraw our labour is our most powerful tool in bargaining, and this fund gives our negotiators their strongest bargaining chip.

Three years ago the COPE 378 constitution was changed to re ect the fact employers often employ legal means to defi ne working conditions and to avoid strikes. The language governing use of the defence fund was expanded to sup-port members aff ected by labour disputes and to pay for the cost of arbitrations undertaken on behalf of members.

Our defence fund remains healthy, stable and growing. We at COPE 378 are in an enviable position to our knowledge our defence fund is the highest per capita defence fund of all similarly sized unions in Canada.

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

16,000,000

18,000,000

20,000,000

22,000,000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Bal

ance

in fu

nd

Year

Defense Fund 2003 - 2013

Defence Fund 2003-2013

Bal

ance

in F

un

d

Year


COPE 378 General Fund

* The General Fund Includes: General FundJoint Trusteeship Reserve 1998 2,938,247$ Rent Stabilization Reserve 1999 2,208,012$ Member Protection Reserve 2000 2,923,632$ Political Action Reserve 2001 3,828,845$ Organizing Reserve 2002 3,254,412$ BCFL Strategic Plan Reserve 2003 4,407,627$ COPE Convention Reserve 2004 5,558,041$ Carbon Offset Reserve 2005 6,164,583$

2006 6,536,438$ 2007 5,770,109$ 2008 4,656,670$ 2009 3,885,534$ 2010 2,630,737$ 2011 3,494,486$ 2012 3,093,254$ 2013 2,724,755$

$-

$1,000,000

$2,000,000

$3,000,000

$4,000,000

$5,000,000

$6,000,000

$7,000,000

General Fund 2002-2013

General Fund 2002-2013

The general fund exists, as the name sug-gests, to support the general, day to day operations of the union. As such this fund is subject to many more demands than the de-fence fund, and those demands are re ected in this graph.

Within the general fund are several re-serves which can only be used for their in-tended purposes. These reserves include the member protection reserve, the organizing reserve and the carbon off set reserve.

The changes made to the unions fi nancial management in 2012 slowed the steep down-ward incline of the trend line from previous years. However, it has not halted it entirely. To manage the relatively small gap between net revenue and expenses the union moved a por-tion of the defence funds interest to the gen-eral fund, as the constitution allows us to do.

More than a year and a half after it was fi rst introduced, the anti-

union Conservative Private Members Bill C-377 has yet to be

enacted. The bill, which would force onerous and redundant

fi nancial declaration policies on unions, is still stalled in the Senate.

The bill, if passed, would single out unions and their trusts

(including pension and benefi ts plans) to fi le public, keyword-

searchable statements on all transactions over $5,000, including

salaries of all employees and pension and disability payouts

matched with identifying information. Additionally, unions would

have to disclose itemized lists of services and supplies purchased

from private fi rms along with prices paid.

All of this is argued to be necessary for transparency to protect

members even though as we know most provinces already

require unions to make fi nancial reports available to members.

COPE 378, for example, puts out this annual fi nancial report

in our Local Voice magazine, which is sent to all members

and posted online. In addition, our unions elected executive

councilors determine the unions annual budget, and review

detailed fi nancial statements throughout the year.

In response to opposition eff orts by the Canadian Labour

Congress and its affi liates, including COPE 378, and concerns

from the Canadian Bar Association about whether the bill is even

constitutional, a small number of Conservative Senators broke

ranks with their party last year and sent the bill back to the House

with signifi cant amendments. The House returned the bill to the

Senate without changes, but the Senate has kept the bill at the

bottom of the pile and avoided passing it. It may resurface in

some other form and remains as a reminder of the antipathy of

the Conservative government towards union members.

Update on Bill C-377


COPE 378 Financial Statements

COPE 378Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 2013

COPE 378Defence Fund Statement of Financial Position 2013

The next pages include financial statements for:

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 2013

Defence Fund Statement of Financial Position 2013

General Fund Statement of Financial Position 2013

Office Employees Building Ltd. Statement of Financial Position 2013

ASSETS 2013 2012Current Assets

Cash & short term deposits $ 844,517 $ 481,286

Temporary Investments 20,278,382 19,542,006

Accounts Receivable 511,005 539,841

Prepaid Expenses 932,613 141,352

Current portion of interfund balances

3,395,385 2,730,648

$ 25,961,902 $ 23,435,133

Property & Equipment 1,749,280 1,858,046

Interfund Balances 944,036 944,036

TOTAL ASSETS $ 28,655,218 26,237,215

LIABILITIESCurrent Liabilities

Accounts Payable & accrued liabilities

$ 2,136,157 $ 2,090,005

Current portion of mortgage payable

19,086 0


3,395,385 2,730,648

$ 5,550,628 $ 4,820,653

Deferred Lease Benefit 26,290 52,580

Mortgage Payable 730,914 0


TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 7,251,868 $ 5,817,269

NET ASSETSUnrestricted $ (1,191,224) $ (916,517)

Internally restricted reserves

640,900 729,645

Restricted for the Defence Fund

20,151,711 18,704,033

Investment in Property & Equipment

1,749,280 1,858,046

Restricted for the Education & Training Fund

52,684 44,739

$ 21,403,351 $ 20,419,946

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

$ 28,655,218 $ 26,237,215


Cash & short term deposits $ 77,634 $ 36,475

Temporary Investments 19,982,398 18,576,305

Accounts Receivable 192 192


310,720 150,592

TOTAL ASSETS $ 20,370,944 $ 18,763,564

LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities


$ 19,047 $ 18,462

Current portion of Interfund Balances

200,186 41,069

TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 219,233 $ 59,531

NET ASSETSRestricted for the Defence Fund

20,151,711 18,704,033


$ 20,370,944 $ 18,763,564


COPE 378 Financial Statements

COPE 378General Fund Statement of Financial Position 2013

COPE 378Office Employees Building Ltd. Statement of Financial Position 2013

According to the COPE 378 constitution, the COPE 378 executive board shall be responsible for appointing an

independent auditor to review the unions books and accounts. The executive board is also responsible for publishing

and generally distributing to the executive council and membership an overview of the auditors reports.

These statements are contained in this report.


Cash & short term deposits

$ 165,562 $ 149,595

Temporary Investments 285,434 955,151




3,084,665 2,580,056

$ 4,176,863 $ 4,311,937


TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,120,899 $ 5,255,973



$ 2,085,424 $ 2,012,127


310,720 150,592


NET ASSETSUnrestricted $ 2,083,855 $ 2,363,609

Internally restricted reserves

640,900 729,645

$ 2,724,755 $ 3,093,254


$ 5,120,899 $ 5,255,973


Cash & short term deposits

$ 559,188 $ 264,027



$ 1,361,412 $ 314,893

Property & Equipment 1,749,280 1,858,046

TOTAL ASSETS $ 3,110,692 $ 2,172,939



$ 31,686 $ 59,416

Current portion of mortgage payable

19,086 0


2,884,479 2,538,987

$ 2,935,251 $ 2,598,403

Deferred Lease Benefit 26,290 52,580

Mortgage Payable 730,914 0



NET ASSETSCapital Stock $ 5 $ 5

Deficit (1,525,804) (1,422,085)

$ (1,525,799) $ (1,422,080)


$ 3,110,692 $ 2,172,939


COPE 378 Operating Expenses

COPE 378General Fund Operating Expenses 2013

Union Government

Administration

Membership Services

35%

45%

16%

Communications

Organizing

2013MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Collective Agreement Management 1,945,495

Arbitration & Grievances 99,038

Bargaining 310,874

Education 521,640

Member Maintenance 209,944

$ 3,086,991

COMMUNICATIONS $ 195,626

ORGANIZING $ 200,705

ADMINISTRATION

Staff holidays and leaves 951,483

Offi ce administration support 701,282

Services and Supplies 366,309

Staff benefi ts 785,068

Offi ce furniture and equipment leases 285,378

Offi ce rent and occupancy costs 485,086

Finance department salaries 269,906

Bad debt expense 16,281

Audit fees 27,296

Staff education 37,351

$ 3,925,440

UNION GOVERNMENT

Disbursements from reserves 117,253

Executive Council 199,736

Conventions 163,225

Executive Board 246,188

Member meetings 87,670

Committees 464,770

Honoraria 38,272

Donations 57,970

Elections 20,249

$ 1,395,333

TOTAL $ 8,804,095

2%

2%

COPE 378 Financial Team

2nd Floor, 4595 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 1J9

Phone: 604-299-0378 Toll Free: 1-800-665-6838 Fax: 604-299-8211 [email protected]

Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union, Local 378

www.COPE378.ca

Secretary-Treasurer:

Lori Mayhew The Secretary-Treasurer is the Chief Financial Officer for the union. This position was made

full-time in 2008.

Controller:

Barbara LiangThe Controller position was created in 2005 and is held by a Certified General Accountant

to act in a professional capacity as the Director of Finance for the union.

Financial Staff:

Donna Morris, Sandi Malhame, Amandeep Nijjar COPE 378 staff assist the Secretary-Treasurer and Controller in the day-to-day financial

operations, including accounts payable and receivable and data management.

Auditors:

MNP LLPThe independent auditors conduct an annual audit of the accounts of the union and

prepare a report for the executive board. The board in turn shares the findings with the

executive council and membership.

Sandi Malhame Accounts Receivable

Lori Mayhew Secretary-Treasurer

Barbara Liang Controller

Amandeep Nijjar Accounts Payable

Donna Morris Accounts Receivable

LocalVoice-SUMMER_2014-HighResCOPE2013-FinancialReport-HighRes

local voice & financial report august 2014

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